7 days in Vietnam Itinerary

The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi has bounded back from the effects of war, and today serves as a bustling commercial and cultural hub bursting at the seams.

Kick off your visit on the 22nd (Sat): let your taste buds guide you at a local gastronomic tour, stop by 54 Traditions Gallery, and then get to know the fascinating history of Old Quarter. Here are some ideas for day two: steep yourself in history at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, explore the activities along Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake), then contemplate the long history of Hoa Lo Prison, and finally steep yourself in history at Temple of Literature & National University.

To find more things to do, ratings, other places to visit, and other tourist information, refer to the Hanoi trip itinerary planner.

The Route module can give you travel options from your home to Hanoi. In July, daily temperatures in Hanoi can reach 38°C, while at night they dip to 30°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Mon) so you can travel to Ho Chi Minh City.

Formerly known in the West as Saigon and affectionately referred to as the "Pearl of the Far East," Ho Chi Minh City is a study of old and new, woven and piled together in a fast-paced urban hub.

On the 24th (Mon), don't miss a visit to Cu Chi Tunnels. On the 25th (Tue), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: take an in-depth tour of War Remnants Museum, hunt for treasures at Ben Thanh Market, then get a sense of history and politics at The Independence Palace, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, and finally get a sense of history and politics at Central Post Office.

To find reviews, maps, other places to visit, and other tourist information, you can read our Ho Chi Minh City travel planner.

Do a combination of bus and flight from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In July, daytime highs in Ho Chi Minh City are 38°C, while nighttime lows are 28°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 26th (Wed) so you can travel to Hoi An.

Indisputably one of Vietnam's most atmospheric destinations, Hoi An contains a World Heritage-listed old town boasting over 2,000 years of culture and history.

On the 26th (Wed), take in the views from Japanese Covered Bridge and then don't miss a visit to Hoi An Ancient Town.

To find reviews, traveler tips, more things to do, and more tourist information, read our Hoi An sightseeing planner.

You can do a combination of flight and taxi from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and taxi. July in Hoi An sees daily highs of 39°C and lows of 30°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Wed) to allow time to drive to Hue.

Nestled on the banks of the Perfume River, the city of Hue remains most famous as the former home of the Nguyen Dynasty, the influence of which remains evident in local palaces, temples, forts, and museums.

Start off your visit on the 27th (Thu): steep yourself in history at Tomb of Minh Mang, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Thien Mu Pagoda, then don't miss a visit to The Noon Gate (Cua Ngo Mon), and finally contemplate the long history of Hue Imperial City (The Citadel). On the 28th (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: contemplate the long history of Tomb of Tu Duc, don't miss a visit to The Flag Tower, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at The Mieu Temple, and finally head outdoors with Le Family Rider.

To find where to stay, photos, reviews, and other tourist information, you can read our Hue trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Hoi An to Hue takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and train; or take a bus. In July, daily temperatures in Hue can reach 40°C, while at night they dip to 29°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 28th (Fri) early enough to travel back home.